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On Monday, Apple introduced its next wearable software platform, watchOS 26, at a WWDC 2025 keynote address. The newest version of watchOS has a Liquid Glass design and includes new features including Smart Stack, Control Centre, the Photos watch face, and more. Apple has introduced an AI-powered Workout Buddy in watchOS 26, which analyzes the wearer's fitness data history to deliver real-time, personalized insights throughout a workout. The update includes a redesigned layout for the Workout app and an updated prediction algorithm for Smart Stack. To dismiss alerts in watchOS 26, use the wrist flick motion.
WWDC 2025: Top Features of WatchOS 26
WatchOS 26 has Apple's new Liquid Glass design. The new look is used in Smart Stack widgets, Smart Stack hints, alerts, Control Center, as well as in-app controls and navigation. The numbers of the Photos watch face will be composed of liquid glass. This year, Apple will roll out its new design language across all of its applications.
Workout Buddy, powered by Apple Intelligence, generates personalized, motivational insights based on a user's workout statistics and fitness history during each session. This section gives a pep talk and highlights important occasions, such as their mile splits. When a user completes an exercise, exercise Buddy will review their workout statistics and congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Workout Buddy will be available on Apple Watch with Bluetooth headphones and requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone nearby. It supports common routines such as indoor and outdoor jogging, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training, and will initially be accessible in English.
In addition, watchOS 26 adds four additional buttons to the corners of the Workout app. Wearers would be able to customize their exercises with options such as Workout Views, Custom Workout, Pacer, Race Route, and more. It also allows users to customize the Workout app to play music and podcasts during workouts. Apple Music will now propose playlists depending on the user's workout style and personal preferences.
According to Apple, Smart Stack is upgrading its prediction algorithms in watchOS 26 by using additional contextual data, sensor data, and user routine data to deliver Smart Stack tips. The Smart Stack suggestions use the Liquid Glass design and will show on the screen as a visual cue.
WatchOS 26 adds Live Translation to Apple Watch Messages using Apple Intelligence. This AI-powered function immediately translates incoming texts into the user's selected language, directly from their wrist. This capability will be accessible on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 when paired with an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence.
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With watchOS 26, Apple Watch recommends smart actions in Messages based on the conversation context. Customisable wallpapers on the iPhone will sync to the Apple Watch. Furthermore, consumers may respond to polls right from their wrists. Smart Replies are also improving in English, thanks to an enhanced on-device language model that creates more appropriate replies based on a conversation's content.
The latest version allows you to handle notifications with a simple wrist flip gesture. This function, meant to ignore alerts and calls, silence timers and alarms, and return to the watch face, is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Other major upgrades include the addition of the Notes app to WatchOS. This feature allows users to pin, create, and unlock notes. Hold Assist and Call Screening are among the new features added to Apple Watch with this release. Live Listen also enables live captioning, which improves accessibility for people who are hard of hearing.
In watchOS 26, the Photos face will shuffle photos according on the featured material from Photos. Watch faces will be available in the revamped watch face gallery on Apple Watch and in the Watch app for iPhone.
The watchOS 26 upgrade will be available as a beta version to developers today via the Apple Developer Program, with a public beta coming next month. The watchOS 26 will be coming this autumn for Apple Watch Series 6 and later, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), and all Apple Watch Ultra variants when linked with an iPhone 11 or later running iOS 26.
